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Biz Kid beats out Disney Nickelodeon for green award

SEATTLE (10/28/09)--Biz Kid$, the youth-focused and credit union-funded financial education show on public television, received the Environmental Media Award in the category for Children's Live Action Monday, beating out shows from Nickelodeon and Disney. Biz Kid$ won for its episode, "The Green Economy & You," which first aired on March 5. The episode teaches kids how businesses can go "green" and includes stories of young entrepreneurs, such as a 12-year-old who sells eco-friendly lunch bags. Also nominated in the category were Disney's Suite Life on Deck and Nickelodeon's iCarly. Biz Kid$ Executive Producer Jamie Hammond was thrilled to be singled out by the only awards program devoted to celebrating the entertainment industry's creative environmental efforts. "The other shows in the category are so great. We are truly honored," Hammond said. The award, presented by the Environmental Media Association (EMA) during its 20th anniversary awards ceremony, recognizes the live action children's show that best increases public awareness of environmental issues and inspires personal action on these issues. "Biz Kid$ is all about educating children about the importance of planning and responsibility. These lessons are as pertinent to financial success as they are to environmental awareness," Hammond said. Earlier this year, Biz Kid$ was honored with an Emmy Award and the credit union industry's Herb Wegner Award. Washington Credit Union Foundation Director RoxAnne Kruger helps oversee exclusive underwriting of the first three seasons of Biz Kid$ by America's Credit Unions, a coalition of nearly 200 credit unions, credit union foundations, non-profits, service providers and individuals. "From this show's inception, credit unions understood what a powerful resource it could be for educating youth. We couldn't be happier that others are seeing that value, too," Kruger said. The program, which is filmed in Seattle, began airing its second season nationwide in January. It is available to 97% of public television stations.